Assessment has many negative emotions attached to it due to the history of the word, yet it has so much potential to cultivate the equitable learning communities we all dream of. Adelee Penner has experienced the school system in a wide range of roles, from teacher to leader, public to private, and system-wide to independent. In the episode, we discuss … Read More
Impact | Andrew Maxey | Overcorrection
In Don’t @ Me (2:17), Tom opens this week by sharing his #OneWord for 2022. Then, Tom is joined by educator and author Andrew Maxey (11:52) for a conversation centered on his newly released book, “Elephant in the Classroom: Tracing the Complexity of Teaching by Exploring 13 Competencies and Practices.” Finally, in Assessment Corner (58:47), Tom addresses what he sees … Read More
Machinery of Achievement | Pav Wander | Acceptable Alternatives
In Don’t @ Me (3:48), Tom opens this week with a reminder that educators have more influence and control over the machinery of student achievement than some might think. Then, Tom is joined by teacher and podcast co-host Pav Wander (17:43) for a conversation about teacher-voice. Finally, in Assessment Corner (1:00:30), Tom focuses on the importance of acceptable alternatives in … Read More
Shine Bright | Luis Cruz | Don’t Overthink It
In Don’t @ Me (2:46), Tom opens with a quick story from last week about how the small things in life – even if they are manufactured – can make a big difference in how we are feeling. Then, Tom is joined by friend and colleague Luis Cruz (11:19) to explore what it means to fulfill society’s new, more modern … Read More
Pointless Assessment Practices (w Sarah Zerwin)
For too long, the purpose of assessment has been to collect points for a gradebook. As a high school English teacher, Sarah Zerwin decided to uphold a better purpose for assessment: learning. On the episode, Sarah shares the many “point-less” assessment practices that teachers can use to shift their classroom from a culture of compliance, to a culture of authentic … Read More
